On Tuesday, we shared some of Tinie Tempah’s thoughts on mentally transitioning from the UK to the US as an up-and-coming artist in the hectic world of hip-hop. Because the London native goes back and forth across the pond so frequently, we also asked Tinie to give us a cheat sheet of sorts, helping to get us looped-in to the who’s who of British rap. Check out his list of personal favorites below, because after all, you never know if one of these guys might be next.

GIGGS (IF YOU LIKE: Gucci Mane)
“Definitely be on the lookout for Giggs, he’s doing his thing,” preached Tinie. After collaborating with B.o.B and a slew of other big-name British rappers, Giggs continues spitting coke-rap bars for days. Style-wise, Tinie compared him to both Young Jeezy and Gucci; embodying the hustler image, Giggs served a two-year bid for a gun charge back in 2003, but inked with XL Recordings (see: M.I.A., Tyler, The Creator, Dizzee Rascal) to distribute his third solo LP next year off of self-made label, SN1 Entertainment.

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Even though Young Jeezy is gearing up to release his fourth solo albumlater this year, his show last night at Highline Ballroom in New York was dedicated to his first. Commemorating Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101′s sixth anniversary, the rapper who reps Atlanta looked both svelte and hungry while performing alongside a full band in the hot, filled to the brim venue. For those in attendance, however, it was a welcomed experience, especially once the star-studded guests began spilling out on stage.

First to show his face was Jay-Z, making a supportive cameo to spit his verse from the debut album’s third single, “Go Crazy,” making the crowd do just that. Kanye was next up to bat, joining Jeezy for their 2008 collabo, “Put On,” followed soon after by UGK legend Bun B who helped perform TM101 track “Trap or Die.” Next to hit the stage was Brooklyn rapper Fabolous, who, after performing “Flexin’” from Jeezy’s recent Real Is Back mixtape, also delivered radio favorite “You Be Killin’ Em” to the already-spoiled audience. And to cap off the laundry list of appearances, Jeezy then brought out the entire L.O.X. to perform a medley of their strongest tracks, again forcing the crowd to lose their minds.

While Jeezy’s recruits may be the impressive lynchpin in the show’s dossier, it’s absolutely worth mentioning that his fans were thoroughly content with solo performances from just the man himself. As each song dropped, the audience recognized it instantly, and the room would soon be filled with audible word-for-word rapping accompaniment. Not just some people either, it was pretty much everyone; something you don’t see at every rap show. And considering Jeezy announced that his new album, Thug Motivation 103, will be hitting stores on September 30th, I’m sure he’d appreciate it if every person rapping along to his lyrics in that room actually BUYS it.

Young Jeezy took on John McCain recently, drilling the presidential hopeful about his plans to help those in need when they appeared together on Saturday Night Live. He called the Senator a “fraud” and described their tense encounter:

“I told [John McCain] the ‘hood was f**ked up, and he was like, ‘How you doing?’ (It was) real talk. They know entertainers, so they shake your hand (and say), ‘I’m your friend.’ But my mama is about to have surgery that I gotta pay for out of my pocket because she can’t get insurance. “I don’t really feel McCain. It ain’t just because Barack is black; he can make change. Just like Bush equals recession, Barack equals progression. I really feel that.”

Here I Stand, Usher‘s new album, will be out at the end of May. But in the meantime its first single has already risen the Billboard charts to hit No. 1. “Love in This Club” is a slow, steamy jam with a guest appearance by Young Jeezy and lyrics like “They don’t know what we doin’/ Let’s both get undressed right here/Keep it up girl, I swear/ I’m-a give it to you non-stop/ And I don’t care who’s watchin’.” Despite that, the track’s producer, Polow da Don, insists the lyrics are not about having sex. This is confusing, to put it mildly. Anyway . . . we have 30 seconds of the video for you now. The clip features several super-famous guest stars, some slinky dance moves and a few stylish pairs of sunglasses — exactly what you want out of an Usher video. Check it out here before the video premieres next Monday, April 7.

Parispretty
Pretty Paris Heaved From Heiress Book
Editors of an upcoming photo book of beautiful heiresses from around the globe unanimously voted to exclude Paris from its pages.  Perhaps she’ll be asked to pose for piece on gorgeous convicts instead? [NY Post]


Enrique to Anna: "Adios!"

Game over!  Maybe-married couple Iglesias and Kournikova have split after five years together.  Now Enrique can get back to trying to beat his dad’s record number of lady lovers – a tally that’s allegedly in the thousands. [The Sun]


Young Jeezy Cuffed At Strip Club

The rapper was arrested early Thursday morning following an argument at
a Hot’lanta strip club. The drama was a family affair – both Jeezy and
his sister were cited for disorderly conduct. [MSN]

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